PerreaultForever

Getting to the point we are more shocked when they win.

Defensive giveaways. Byram tonight on 2 of them. Brutal. Other nights it's Power or even Dahlin or whoever but it happens every game. Why? Honestly I think it's a simple explanation. They are soft, they don't like to get hit, and so they panic and try to make a pass out when there isn't one. These are the type of plays that coaches like Tortorella bench players for. With the Sabres, it's a way of life.

I watched this on replay so late to the funeral but it was same same. In a way they played just as well as NJ for much of it but 2 brutal giveaways by Byram and weak D by everybody (just watching the puck instead of doing their job) on the other one and that's 3-0 game over. The rest of the goals I don't really count as much as they were pressing and playing up so inevitable if you lose possession. It's the same stuff all the time for years now. No real surprises. Mixed feelings on the Thompson fight but I do wish he'd be that guy more often. Anyone still think they will make the playoffs?

Ya, there was a moment way back when Dudley was available. Before Florida hired him as a senior advisor. It was a hope and a dream but Pegula doesn't want a strong personality in charge. Dudley was the perfect hockey player. Talented, but not super talented, maximum effort every game, personality, character, leadership, did whatever was necessary and brought that every night (and then there was that headband :)) His post playing career is really impressive and he really does seem to know what is what and who is who. Never gonna happen though. As I've said many times, we all should have realized what was going to happen when LaFontaine walked. LaFontaine wanted this job. You don't walk from a situation like that unless you realize your situation will be hopeless. Could be worse though. They could have hired Trotz. Great coach, but possibly a worse GM than Adams. Possibly.

True, but perhaps they have big egos and think more highly of their chances. It's all just speculative and maybe it's other things entirely. I mean I find myself thinking Power just isn't that interested in being a hockey player but maybe he wants to play himself off the team too. idk. The only thing I know for certain, because you see it in games, is too many of these guys take shifts or whole nights off and all too often they are too soft on plays. The inconsistencies result in losses. I mean we can even add Dahlin. Sure, great D man. Very talented. Build a franchise around him. BUT also recognize he's 4th in the league (recent stats I saw on twitter) in defensive zone giveaways. The team all too often is sloppy, undisciplined, inconsistent, and sometimes lacking in effort. Details matter, and details are killing them every year.

He's definitely the Sabres best D this year and last night (and some other games) he was their best player on the ice.

I won't disagree on Byram's lame effort but you have to consider Tage's reach and strength. He has the size and ability to go right to the guy and muscle him out or interfere with his stick. He's definitely in position, but he's passive, and that's the problem. It's not just him, it's Sabres in general. They are fast enough to get back in position or they are in position but they are passive or just try to use their sticks. Strong players just walk around or through them. In this case it was Tage.

Swayman was very good but shots were mostly from far out, sight lines were open, net front was largely controlled, most plays were one and done. Team D is very good on the Bruins. If they find more scoring they could surprise. As is I doubt they are a playoff team either. The biggest contrast for me with the Sabres would be to watch a guy like Zadorov in front of their net and compare it with Power. Power will skate towards a player and maybe put his stick out to try to get the puck. Zadorov has his body right on the guy, he's muscling him out or tying him up and if he can't he will lift the guys stick off the ice to neutralize him. Watching him battle a strong guy like Anders Lee was a beautiful lesson on defense.

Seattle played Dallas dead even last night. Just lost on a late goal. They're good though. Basically the same as they were. Only one gets out of the division.

I do wonder if both are trying to stay healthy to be available. Leaders don't always have to be "high skill" but otherwise I agree.

Could be coaching. Could be trying to play themselves off the team. Could be they just don't care (or care enough). Thompson's always had these lazy moments. he also has really good ones. The Detroit game was the best example of what he is capable of, but he's rarely shown the desire to be that all the time. imo you need to surround a guy like that with hard working vets. You can't expect a guy like that to be the leader of others, especially youngsters.

and this is why you don't jump on the bandwagon with this team after a few decent games. The disappointment always follows eventually. There were some good things but overall for much of the game it didn't feel to me like they had a chance at all. Only in the third when it was still close. Now, the thing I really want to point out is WTF is Thompson doing on the second Pittsburgh goal? I see some of you bitching about UPL out of position (and he was) but go look at it again and look at Thompson. He's right in front, perfect position to get his stick in the lane and prevent or block the shot and he just floats around between players achieving nothing. Big guy like that with his reach, how does he just do nothing there? These details boggle my mind with this team cause they happen over and over again. Power of course was weak on the third goal but nothing new there. The other thing that bugs me is the 6 on 5. I also watched the Islanders Bruins and in that game Islanders pulled the goalie early and they had 3 guys in and around the paint. Three. Sabres have one guy in there. Just one. Who tf designs this? Is it Appert? It's the dumbest softest most futile 6 on 5 in the league. You just can't give away 4 point spreads to teams you are trying to catch and hope for the playoffs, you just can't.

Well the old adage is if you're out of it at Thanksgiving you're out of it so after tonight check the standings.

Malkin and Eriksson have really picked up their game this year too. It's an odd team. I'm sure Dubas was getting all set for a rebuild and now Crosby etc. has him in a weird place. Got to watch those guys like Brazeau around the net too. Silovs is a good goalie. I wanted Sabres to trade for him in the summer. Anyway, Pittsburgh is hard to figure out, but Crosby definitely wants to be captain of Team Canada at the Olympics, I guarantee that. Watch that net front. Pitt knows how to score in the dirty areas.

6 of 7 on the road is a big hope. So I guess if they do that maybe you can think they will make the playoffs. I will still be interested to see how they perform after the Olympics. We all know the second half can get tougher and more serious. I think this year the Olympics will be the differentiating point and some teams will get very serious after them and pull away. Who that will be remains to be seen.